The government has concluded the evacuation of Ghanaians who voluntarily registered to return home from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.
The final batch of 41 Ghanaian returnees arrived in Accra on Friday, September 4, 2026, bringing the total number of citizens evacuated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to nearly 2,000.
The evacuation exercise was launched in response to attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, with Ghanaian citizens among those affected.
As part of the exercise, the remains of two Ghanaians who were attacked and killed were repatriated to Ghana. One other returnee also died upon arrival in Accra, bringing the total number of deaths recorded in connection with the evacuation to three since May 2026.
Addressing the final group of returnees, Mr Ablakwa expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as his unwavering commitment to the welfare and safety of Ghanaians wherever they may be in the world.
The Minister said the government remained committed to supporting the returnees as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives in Ghana.
He assured the public that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would provide a full account of all funds expended during the evacuation exercise.
Mr Ablakwa also expressed gratitude to allied government agencies and private-sector partners whose assistance, he said, contributed significantly to the successful completion of the exercise.
Encouraging the returnees to remain hopeful about their future, the Minister urged them to draw on their skills and experiences to contribute to Ghana’s development.
“Do not lose hope,” he told the returnees, urging them to remain resilient and channel their time, skills and energy towards building a better Ghana.
Mr Ablakwa further advised the returnees to prioritise their health as they settle back into the country, stressing that the reintegration allowance provided by the government should complement, rather than replace, attention to their wellbeing.
He encouraged them to seek medical attention whenever necessary as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into their communities.
The completion of the evacuation brings to a close government-led effort that has seen thousands of Ghanaians voluntarily return home amid heightened concerns over their safety in South Africa.
Story By: Eric Boateng
